Standards for Associate Certified Entomologists

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The following standards have been reviewed and determined to represent the skills and knowledge that should be possessed by an Associate Certified Entomologist.

An Associate Certified Entomologist should be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

General Pest Knowledge:

Objective 1: Key pests (denoted with a **) worth 45% and others worth 5%

Provide identifications of, describe basic biology (food requirements, life cycle, habitat, reproduction) and pest status (why they are considered pests), and critically analyze control scenarios for the following key structural pests:

Biting and Stinging Pests

1. Bed bugs (Cimex spp.)**

2. Cat flea,  (order Siphonaptera)**

3. Human lice (order Pthiraptera; alt. Anoplura)**

3a. Head louse (Pediculus humanus)

3b. Crab louse (Pthirus pubis)

4. Mites (rodent and bird)**

5. Mosquitoes (family Culicidae)**

6. Spiders (class Arachnida: order Araneae)

6a. Brown spiders (Loxosceles species)**

6b. Black widow (hourglass) spiders (Latrodectus species)**

6c. Hobo spider and other funnel-weaver spiders (family Agelenidae)**

6d. Jumping spiders (family Salticidae)**

6e. Wolf spiders (family Lycosidae)**

6f. Sac spiders (family Miturgidae; previously Clubionidae) including Cheiracanthium**

6g. Ground spiders (family Gnaphosidae)

7. Scorpions (class Arachnida: order Scorpiones)**

8. Ticks

8a. Soft ticks (Argasidae)

8b. American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)**

8c. Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)**

8d. Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)

8e. Black legged tick (Ixodes species)

9. Social wasps and bees

9a. Honey bee, Apis mellifera**

9b. Bumble bees, Bombus spp.**

9c. Yellowjacket wasps, Vespula and Dolichovespula spp.**

9d. Paper wasps, Polistes spp.**

9e. Hornets (bald-faced and European) Dolichovespula maculata and  Vespa crabro**

10. Solitary wasps

10a. Black & yellow mud dauber,  Sceliphron spp.

10b. Organpipe mud dauber, Trypoxylon spp.

10c. Cicada killer, Sphecius speciosus**

Flies (order Diptera)

1. Phorid (humpbacked, scuttle) flies (family Phoridae)**

2. Moth (drain, filter, sewer) flies (family Psychodidae)**

3. House fly (Musca domestica)**

4. Small fruit (vinegar, pomace) flies (Drosophila spp.)**

5. Fungus gnats (families Fungivoridae and Sciaridae)**

6. Blow flies (family Calliphoridae)**

7. Flesh flies (family Sarcophagidae)**

8. Crane flies (family Tipulidae)

9. Horse and deer flies (family Tabanidae)**

10. Cluster fly (Pollenia rudis)

Ants (family Formicidae)

1. Argentine ant (Linepithema humile)**

2. Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta)**

3. Odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile)

4. Pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis)**

5. Pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum)

6. Crazy ant (Paratrechina longicornis)

7. Acrobat Ants (Crematogaster spp.)

8. Little Black Ant (Monomorium minimum)

9. Ghost Ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum)

10. Big Headed Ants (Pheidole spp.)

11. Field Ants (Formica spp.)

12. White-Footed Ant (Technomyrmex albipes)

13. Harvester Ants (Pogonomyrmex spp)

Cockroaches (order Dictyoptera; alt. Blattaria)

1. German cockroach (Blatella germanica)**

2. American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)**

3. Brownbanded cockroach (Supella longipalpa)**

4. Smokybrown cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa)**

5. Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis)**

6. Surinam cockroach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis)

7. Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)

8. Woods Cockroaches (Parcoblatta spp)

Stored product and fabric pests

1. Carpet beetles (Anthrenus and Attagenus species)**

2. Cigarette and drugstore beetle (Lasioderma serricorne and Stegobium paniceum)**

3. Flour beetles (Tribolium spp.)**

4. Hide and larder beetles (Dermestes species)**

5. Mites (stored product)**

6. Psocids (Order Psocoptera)**

7. Sawtoothed grain beetles (Oryzaephilus spp.)**

8. Spider beetles (family Ptinidae)

9. Weevils (family Curculionidae)**

9a. Rice Weevil (Sitophilus oryzae)

9b. Bean Weevil (Acanthocelides obtectus)

9c. Cowpea Weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus)

10. Warehouse & Cabinet Beetles (Trogoderma spp.)**

11. Foreign Grain Beetle (Ahasverus advena)

12. Plaster Beetles (family Lathridiidae)

13. Red-Legged Ham Beetle (Necrobia rufipes)

14. Cadelle (Tenebriodes mauritanicus)

15. Flat Grain Beetle (Cryptolestes pusillus)

16. Mealworm Beetles (Tenebrio spp.)

17. Mediterranean Flour Moth (Anagasta kuehniella)

18. Angoumois Grain Moth (Sitotroga cerealella)

19. Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella)**

Wood destroying insects

1.   Termites (Both Soldiers and Alates)

1a. Subterranean termites, Reticulitermes spp.**

1b. Formosan termite, Coptotermes formosanus**

1c. Drywood termites **

1d. Dampwood termites**

2.   Wood boring beetles

2a. Anobiid beetles

2b. Bostrichid (false powderpost) beetles**

2c. Lyctid powderpost beetles**

2d. Old house borer, Hylotrupes bajulus**

2e. Long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae)**

2f.  Metallic wood-boring beetles (family Buprestidae)

3.   Others

3a. Carpenter ant (Campanotus spp.)**

3b. Carpenter bee (family Xylocopidae)**

Occasional invaders

1.  Box elder bug, Boisea  trivittatus**

2.  Centipedes (class Chilopoda)**

3.  Crickets (family Gryllidae)

3a. Camel (cave) cricket, Ceuthophilus spp.

3b. Field cricket, Gryllus spp.**

3c. House cricket, Acheta domesticus**

4. Earwigs (Order Dermaptera)**

5. Lady beetles (Asian multicolored lady beetle)**

6. Millipedes (Class Diplopoda)**

7. Sowbugs and pillbugs (Isopods)**

8. Springtails (Order Collembola)**

9. Spiders (see also biting and stinging pests)

9a. Comb-footed (cobweb) spiders (family Theridiidae)**

9b. Cellar spiders (family Pholcidae)**

10. Elm Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta luteola)**

11. Ground Beetles (family Carabidae)**

12. Thrips (order Thysanoptera)

13. Silverfish (order Thysanura)**

13a. Firebrat (Thermobia domestica)

14. Strawberry Root Weevil/Black Vine Weevil (Brachyrhinus spp.)

15. Clover Mite (Bryobia praetiosa)**

16. Aquatic Insects Adults (Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera)

Other common commensal pests (non-arthropod)

1.   Rodents

1a. Roof rat**

1b. Norway rat**

1c. House mouse**

1d. Deer mouse**

2.   Other vertebrate pests

2a. Pigeon (rock dove)**

2b. European starling**

2c. English sparrow**

2d. Commensal bats (Chiroptera)**

Insect Biology & Morphology:

Objective 2: 10%

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of insect development and insect physiology.

2. Be able to identify the basic morphological features and terms used to describe the body parts of insects and spiders.

3. Understand the classification of Arthropods and how these are divided into the various Classes and Orders.

4. Be able to distinguish between the insect Orders most commonly encountered in pest management and describe the key identifying characters of each order: Thysanura, Collembola, Orthoptera, Blattoidea, Isoptera, Dermaptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Siphanoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera.

 

IPM Concepts and Implementation:

Objective 3: 10%

1. Define and describe the principles behind the following non-chemical IPM tactics:

a) sanitation
b) exclusion
c) harborage denial
d) pest proofing
e) interception
f) quarantine
g) environmental alteration
h) trapping
i) monitoring
j) vacuuming
k) temperature modification
l) modified atmospheres

2. Explain the concept of pest proof design as it relates to structural pest control.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of insecticide resistance by:

a) Identifying the circumstances under which insecticide resistance is likely to occur
b) Identifying pests that are more likely to develop insecticide resistance.
c) Identifying appropriate insecticide rotation schemes based on knowledge of insecticide classes.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the unique challenges facing pest management specialists working in restaurants and food manufacturing and processing plants, including

a) Government agencies responsible for regulating pesticide applications in food handling facilities
b) The definition and significance of GMPs (good management practices) on pest control contractors
c) Role and significance of third-party auditing agencies to pest control practice

5. Explain the uses, limitations, and types of action thresholds for structural pests

6. Explain the uses and limitations of the following types of monitoring tools:

a) light traps
b) sticky traps
c) pheromone traps
d) flushing agents
e) visual inspection
f) Moisture meters
g) Digital cameras
h) Mirrors
i) boroscopes
j) motion detectors
k) infrared video
l) trained dogs

Pest Management Tools and Practice:

Objective 4: 10%

1. Evaluate the probable importance of key structural pests based on understanding of their basic biology, food requirements, and habits.

2. Define and describe the uses for the following common pesticide application techniques:

a) crack & crevice
b) void
c) general (broadcast)
d) spot
e) space
f) direct contact
g) baiting
h) fumigation

3. Be able to identify the uses, application methods and various types of the following inspection tools described in the PCT Technician's Handbook:

a) Moisture meter
b) Sticky traps
c) Light sources
d) Flushing agents
e) Mirrors
f) Spatulas
g) Hand lenses
h) Protective equipment
i) Specimen containers

4. Understand the uses and limitations of various types of pesticide formulations.  Specifically the ACE should be able to:

a) Identify the kind(s) of formulations that provide the longest residual on various surfaces and sites commonly encountered in and outside of structures, including metal, wood, concrete, and soil
b) List formulation types that require agitation to remain in suspension
c) Describe properties of microencapsulated insecticides

5. Classify commonly used insecticides according to their chemical class, including the following

a) Organophosphates
b) Carbamates
c) Pyrethroids
d) Pyrroles
e) Phenyl pyrazoles
f) Neonicotionoids (chloronicotinyls)
g) Physical toxicants
h) Fungal-derived, macrocyclic lactones
i) Microbials
j) Insect growth regulators
k) fumigants

6. Classify commonly used rodenticides according to the following classes:

a) Anticoagulants: 1st generation
b) Anticoagulants: 2nd generation
c) Non anticoagulants

Safety and Environmental Protection:

Objective 5: 15%

1. Understand and explain the potential negative environmental and human health impacts of pesticides including contamination of streams and lakes, groundwater contamination, toxicity to wildlife, and adverse effects of spray drift on beneficial insects and other non-target organisms.

2. Explain proper disposal methods for pesticides and pesticide containers including

a) Triple rising method
b) Washing of equipment
c) Procedures for containing, cleaning up and reporting accidental spills

3. Identify potential human exposure symptoms for overexposure to

a) Organophosphates/carbamates
b) Pyrethroids
c) Fumigants

4. Explain the proper use of a pesticide based on its label.  This understanding should be reflected in the candidate's ability to:

a) Locate and identify the active ingredient in a pesticide
b) Identify the type of formulation
c) Identify proper storage and disposal methods
d) Choose the appropriate concentration and mixing procedures for a given pesticide use
e) Identify and explain the significance of a Restricted Use Pesticide
f) Distinguish legal and illegal uses for a pesticide based on the Directions for Use statements
g) Identify the trade name, common name(s) and chemical name(s) associated with a given pesticide formulation
h) Explain the significance of signal words as they relate to LD50 values and approximate toxic doses for the average person

Pest Control History, Legal Requirements and Resources for Entomologists:

Objective 6: 5%

1. Understand and be able to explain the major provisions of the Federal Insecticide Fungicide
and  Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) including:

a) Role of the U.S. EPA in pesticide registration and labeling
b) Certification and licensing of pesticide applicators
c) Legal requirements surrounding use of pesticide labels
d) Role and identity of the state lead agency in pesticide regulation
e) How to recognize a properly labeled pesticide

2. Identify your state's lead agency for structural pesticide and pest control regulation.

3. Describe the function of the national Cooperative Extension System and the services it provides to the pest control industry.

4. Describe how to contact your closest Cooperative Extension Service office.

5. List your local, state and federal professional associations that represent the pest management industry.

6. Subscribe to and regularly read at least one professional trade magazine pertaining to the pest control industry.

7. Be familiar with important names and events in the history of the American pest control industry (e.g., history of major pest control associations, important historical pesticides, relationship of industry to educational institutions, major persons and names).
 

Recommended Study Materials

The following study material is recommended for preparation for the ACE exam.  Familiarity with information in most or all of these references, along with solid hands-on experience in the pest control industry, and participation in ongoing continuing education should adequately prepare prospective ACE candidates to take the certification exam. 

Bennet, G., J. Owens, and R. Corrigan [eds.]. 1997.  Truman's Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations.  6th ed.  Questex Media, Duluth, MN.

Gold, R. E., and S. C. Jones [eds.]. 2000. Handbook of Household and Structural Insect Pests. Entomological Society of America, Lanham, MD.

Hedges, S. A. 1996.  Field Guide for the Management of Structure-infesting Flies. G.I.E. Publishing, Cleveland, OH.

Hedges, S. A. 1998.  Field Guide for the Management of Structure-infesting Ants. G.I.E. Publishing, Cleveland, OH.

Hedges, S. A., and M. S. Lacey. 1996.  Field Guide for the Management of Structure-infesting Beetles.  Vols. I (Hide and carpet beetles/ wood-boring beetles) and II (Stored product beetles/occasional and overwintering beetles). G.I.E. Publishing, Clevland, OH.

Kramer, R. 1998.  PCT Technician's Handbook. G.I.E. Publishing, Cleveland, OH.

Ware, G. W. 2000.  The Pesticide Book. Thompson Publications, Fresno, California.